Whether your child is having trouble learning to read or is grappling with higher-level calculus, a bit of individualized instruction can make a significant difference. That’s why many families seek tutors — to accelerate their children’s academic growth beyond the typical school schedule.
But covering the expense of a tutor can be difficult for households watching their budgets. Prices fluctuate, yet it’s common to encounter rates of $40 to $80 … per hour. And if your student is facing serious challenges, you’ll likely need more than a single hourly session.
Below are several other avenues to obtain educational support — including free tutoring — without draining your wallet.
6 Low-Cost or Free Tutoring Solutions
1. Seek Help From an Online Tutor
Online tutors don’t require a physical office, and they remove commuting time. Everything is available with a few clicks. Your computer screen acts as the shared whiteboard.
Some free or inexpensive online tutoring resources include:
- Khan Academy — a nonprofit providing an extensive collection of free lessons to learners worldwide.
- Learn to Be — a Los Angeles-based nonprofit delivering free one-on-one tutoring to K–12 students in underserved neighborhoods.
- Chegg Study — around-the-clock tutoring for high school and college students; for $14.95 a month you get expert homework support across subjects like math, science, engineering and business.
- Free Tutoring Center — a student-operated program that offers free one-on-one tutoring to elementary and middle school pupils from low-income backgrounds.
- UPchieve — a free online tutoring platform where volunteer tutors assist in various math and science topics. The service also provides free college guidance.
- Varsity Tutors — an educational platform offering free large group sessions and complimentary learning tools for self-study. Personalized one-on-one support and small-group lessons are billed.
- Outschool — a virtual learning marketplace with classes for kids ages 3 to 18. Filter by price to uncover options that cost $9 or less.
2. Check Out What Your Library Offers
If your library card is only used for borrowing books, you might be overlooking valuable services. Some tutoring platforms, like Tutor.com and Brainfuse, collaborate with public libraries to offer free online tutoring to patrons.
Talk with your librarian about available programs at your local branch. Beyond partnering with online providers, libraries may run free or low-cost test-prep workshops and homework-help sessions. Librarians can also point you to students or teachers who provide affordable private tutoring, and at minimum will steer you to useful reference materials and research aids related to your child’s subject.
3. Return to the School for Support
Often the best help comes straight from your child’s own teacher. They already understand your child’s particular struggles and learning preferences and want to see them succeed.
Arrange a parent-teacher conference to inquire about extra instructional options. The teacher might be available to tutor during a study hall, saving you from paying for weekend tutoring sessions.
Also ask whether the school runs a peer tutoring program in which older or high-achieving students volunteer to assist peers who need extra help.
Support may also be available outside your child’s specific school. Local National Honor Society members could have outreach programs that benefit a younger student. Community colleges sometimes provide academic resources to high schoolers at low or no cost.
4. Choose After-School Activities Wisely
Until children are old enough to be left alone after school, many working parents rely on after-school care and activities. While extracurriculars like karate and dance are enriching, they typically won’t include academic support.
You can economize by selecting after-school programs that incorporate tutoring. Organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs and the YMCA frequently offer homework help and study assistance.
5. Tap Your Local Network for One-on-One Help
Never underestimate the reach of your community. Friends or colleagues may be aware of local groups that offer free or inexpensive tutoring.
Talk to other parents for referrals to affordable tutors. The older sibling of your child’s friend could excel in math. You might even arrange a swap with another parent — trading tutoring sessions for occasional babysitting.
6. Allow Educational Screen Time on YouTube
This last option isn’t traditional tutoring, but YouTube can be a rich source for K–12 content. In many cases, you can find instructional videos at no cost.
Is your child struggling with physics or chemistry? Explore these science channels on YouTube. Or use history channels to help students master the facts of major global events.
The video platform might help kids view a difficult subject differently and possibly make learning — dare we say it — enjoyable.
Jordan Miller is a senior writer at Savinly.
